Last week Pipor and I braved 2, day-long bus trips (9 hours there, 10.5 hours back) to see a part of Cambodia that really is unlike anywhere else here. Located in the northeastern most part, Ratanakiri is tucked like a spear into the south of Laos and the northwest of Vietnam and is one of the poorest yet greenest province in all of Cambodia....
The dramatic foliage, rich red dirt, rolling hills, and constant hum of crickets and birds all have this larger-than-life effect that leaves you wondering when dinosaurs will step out of the forest. It is always such a breath of fresh air to be in someplace so green (something the city has little of beyond a patch here and there) - and this was truly green on steroids.
We explored the town of Banlung and wandered the streets, stopping more than once at the local market. At once point I ended up caught in a discussion about traditional Khmer silk skirts with one vender, who then had me standing up on a concrete step so that my public humiliation was in everyone's view as this white girl pulled their largest size over my pants and still couldn't snap the clasp. That was awesome... ;)
Our attempts to visit the area's largest waterfall was diverted due to a tree-felling project blocking the path, but it led us on an adventure through a rubber forest and a minority village. We eventually made it to Kachan waterfall and sat on rocks near the upper rapids reading books and journaling.
I learned how bananas grow, which was a profound discovery: huge banana blossoms lift their leafy wings to reveal baby banana clusters shooting out from underneath! I also finally discovered that there are avocados to be found in Cambodia - and they grow in Ratanakiri (although unfortunately a bit denser & less creamy than my tastebuds were expecting), as does most of Cambodia's local coffee!
It is a bit like Emerald Isle meets Jurassic Park.
The dramatic foliage, rich red dirt, rolling hills, and constant hum of crickets and birds all have this larger-than-life effect that leaves you wondering when dinosaurs will step out of the forest. It is always such a breath of fresh air to be in someplace so green (something the city has little of beyond a patch here and there) - and this was truly green on steroids.
We stayed at an eco-friendly lodge with our own little bungalow overlooking a valley, sleeping in every morning, going to bed by 9ish every night after dinner and a game of Set or a hammock chat. We rented a moto for two days and explored at a relatively mellow pace...
We sat on the docks of Yak Loum lake -- a 4,000 year old volcanic crater brimming with crystal clear turquoise water. Brave Pipor jumped in cannon-ball style, and we both swam awhile before taking a nature walk around it's circumference, catching a few monkeys swinging in the trees along the way.
Our attempts to visit the area's largest waterfall was diverted due to a tree-felling project blocking the path, but it led us on an adventure through a rubber forest and a minority village. We eventually made it to Kachan waterfall and sat on rocks near the upper rapids reading books and journaling.
I learned how bananas grow, which was a profound discovery: huge banana blossoms lift their leafy wings to reveal baby banana clusters shooting out from underneath! I also finally discovered that there are avocados to be found in Cambodia - and they grow in Ratanakiri (although unfortunately a bit denser & less creamy than my tastebuds were expecting), as does most of Cambodia's local coffee!
Beautiful Ratanakiri. Quality friend time. Glorious green. Great trip!
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